Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 2/28/2023
NORTHAMPTON — The Hampshire Regional YMCA is eyeing some major improvements in the near future, including the development of an outdoor exercise “airnaseum.”
The “airnaseum,” or open-air gymnasium, is still in its early phases as campaign leaders are still gathering corporate sponsorships to raise funds for the project, according to YMCA CEO Julie Blanco.
In an interview with Reminder Publishing, Blanco said that the inspiration for the open-air gymnasium was borne out of the coronavirus pandemic, when YMCA classes had to move outdoors.
“We found that most people during COVID-19 missed social interaction,” Blanco told Reminder Publishing.
Because of this, the YMCA began conducting classes outdoors in the upper parking lot, which was easy to do during that time since the lot was usually empty during the heat of the coronavirus pandemic.
Before 2020, Bianco said the YMCA had begun planning capital improvements since member activity was greatly increasing over the past several years. Currently, the YMCA houses 4,500 members that range from newborn babies to seniors.
“It’s a truly intergenerational experience and a true microcosm of our community,” said Bianco, when referring to its members.
The capital improvements plan prior to the coronavirus pandemic included the creation of more indoor space for programming, but COVID-19 made it uncomfortable for patrons to exercise and participate in classes indoors.
“We began researching other ways to expand our program space outdoors and came upon the idea of an airnaseum,” Bianco said. “That concept is popular in warmer climates and is getting more popular in the Northeast. We have a wonderful property here, and people still want to exercise outside.”
The outdoor exercise space will be located under a pavilion outside the YMCA’s gymnasium, according to Bianco. Equipment containers, also known as “container gyms,” will be purchased to hold the necessary gear for group classes and will be installed at the end of the airnaseum.
Bianco told Reminder Publishing that the YMCA is taking a phased approach to this process, with the first one happening this spring when the floor of the space will be poured, and the roof of the pavilion will hopefully be installed.
Future phases after the spring will include updating the outdoor sports courts, improving the parking lot, and installing permanent fencing and permanent shade sails that will provide cover from the sun.
“These spaces will provide more opportunities for families to connect and be together in a safe outdoor space,” said Bianco.
These improvements are some of many Bianco said the Y wants to embark on in the near future. “We’re trying to bring our facility into the 21st century,” she said.
The holistic approach to improving the YMCA’s amenities for more expansive programming begins with the open-air gymnasium, but Bianco said the organization is also looking to improve the locker rooms to make them more gender inclusive and modernize the lobby.
“We’re always partnering with the community on events, so a nicer space means we can hold more expansive programming,” Bianco said.
The YMCA worked with Berkshire Design Group to research and study all available options for the outdoor gymnasium, as well as create the project design. Keiter Builders, meanwhile, is the contractor for the project.
Currently, Bianco told Reminder Publishing the YMCA is acquiring funds for the airnaseum. They have so far received $400,000 in grant funding, $100,000 from Florence Bank and $50,000 from PeoplesBank.
She said the “size, scope and speed of the project” depends on when they receive funding throughout their phased plan.